New Band

BAND OF THE WEEK: HELD.

Held. are here and they are not about to loosen their grip! This new band on the scene that has caught my attention and I’m quite excited to share this with you all. Held. is made up of Douglas Robinson (vocals/guitars) who you know from The Sleeping and formerly of Night Verses, Sal Mignaro (bass) from The Sleeping and Josh Eppard (drums) of Coheed and Cambria. The band’s debut album “GREY” is headed for a May 15th release through MNRK Heavy. Their debut single/video for “New You Anthem” is as infectious as it is direct. The melodic nature balances quite well with the post-hardcore approach throughout. I have to say too its very cool to hear Douglas’s vocals like this again. I really enjoyed the Night Verses albums he was on and was disappointed when he left the band. But that was then and Held. is Now! Another fun and cool thing about “New You Anthem” it features My Chemical Romance’s Frank Iero on vocals as well. Frank adds another layer to this already great song. The voices of Douglas and Frank compliment each other very well. And I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention how damn good Sal and Josh are as a rhythm section. I already knew Josh was a great drummer but, this just proves he’s damn good! Mark your calendars for May 15th and the release of Held.’s debut album, Grey!

Held.- New You Anthem:

HELD ONLINE:

▲ VINYL/MUSIC/MERCH + PRE-ORDER: https://held.ffm.to/grey

▲ Subscribe on YouTube:    / @held.sounds  

▲ Follow Held. Instagram:   / heldsounds  

By: Brian Lacy

BAND OF THE WEEK: COUNTERWAVES

As a rabid music fan, I’m always intrigued by bands that mix genres. Sometimes the end result makes for quite the musical fusion. One band that I’ve had my ears and eyes on for a minute is, Counterwaves. Counterwaves is a two piece rock band from Southern California that mixes 90’s alternative/grunge with shoegaze. So in a way I suppose you could call them alternagaze or grungegaze? I do like alternagaze so I’m gonna go with that. Counterwaves music has a sense of optimism and positivity throughout which makes the more cinematic moments really shine through. I’m quite looking forward to what else Counterwaves is working on as I’ve been really enjoying the 4 songs released so far. Be sure to catch Counterwaves when they play The Cobalt Presents/Audioeclectica show on Saturday February 07, 2026 at Bar10 At Corbin Bowl!

Counterwaves Online: https://www.instagram.com/counterwavesla/

Top Of The World:

Blurry Faces:

If Only:

Second Skin:

BAND OF THE WEEK: LVX

A few days ago I heard a song that really intrigued me. I must have listened to it at least a dozen times. The song is quite a cinematic one with bits of industrial, post-punk/goth vibes and a heavy side that pulsates throughout in a myriad of of ways. The band is called LVX and the song is called “Writhe.” LVX is the brainchild of Justin Hanson and Garrett Smith. Justin was the drummer of the LA based band Lesser Key, who if you haven’t heard, check it out! “Writhe” also features guitar work by Paul D’Amour, formerly of Tool as well as Lesser Key. The title of the song is quite fitting as the whole thing unfolds. I’m very interested in what else is to come from LVX. Keep your ears and eyes open for LVX as 2026 comes!

LVX- WRITHE:

Written By: Brian Lacy